Luke Sital-Singh

25-year-old Luke was born in the South West London town of New Malden, hometown of folk legend John Martyn. He cites Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen as his major influences and his sound is warm, immersive and crafted in such a way which suggests an innate ability to transcend his idols and create something completely unique and compelling within the genre.

He’s supported Martha Wainwright, Kodaline and Villagers, performed at festivals including The Great Escape, Latitude, Cambridge Folk Festival, Secret Garden Party and Wilderness, had a series of well-received shows in the USA, a headline UK tour and four sold-out residency shows in London. He’s been playlisted on Radio One, 6Music and XFM and had further support from Radio 2, Absolute and Amazing Radio. Luke is currently writing his debut album, due spring/summer 2014.

Early in 2013, Luke Sital-Singh was supported to attend SXSW through our British Music Abroad funding, which supports some of the UK’s hottest talent to attend industry facing showcases internationally. We got a quick chance to ask Luke some questions while he was in LA recording his new album…

PRSF: Hi Luke! Thanks for being our Guest of the Month. What impact has SXSW had on your career so far?

LSS: It has had a huge impact. Though there were many different factors that secured me my record deal, the shows I played at SXSW went a long way towards getting the right people excited about my music – and eventually it landed me a deal with Parlophone.

PRSF: What have your highlights been so far in 2013?

LSS: There’s a lot of things to choose from. Every E.P. I’ve made, getting play-listed in Radio, doing my first headline tour and selling out shows, signing to Parlophone and starting work on my debut album, getting to see more of the world. There’s a lot basically!

PRSF: How do you feel about reaching the long list of the BBC’s Sound of 2014?

LSS: It’s just mental really. The craziest thing for me is how short the long list actually is when you think how many great artists there are out there. To be picked out and to be alongside some other great acts is amazing.

PRSF: What are your plans for 2014, and where can we see you next?

LSS: I’m busy making my debut album. That’ll be the first order of business going into January. Then the next scheduled tour is in Feb which I’m already itching for.

PRSF: Finally, what music has influenced you most, and what are you tipping for 2014?

LSS: Ryan Adams – live at Brighton Dome 2011. I don’t go to many gigs but I’ve been a fan of Ryan for years. This gig blew me away. 2 hours. One guy. One guitar and a career of great songwriting. It really taught me how to captivate a crowd with sheer simplicity.

And I’ll tip my friends Cold Crows Dead. They have their debut record out and it’s all kinds of awesome. They are a rare band doing something new, whilst basing it all on great songwriting. As all music should be.